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Don't Donate to the Salvation Army

Those Bell-Ringers Are Raising Money for an Anti-Gay Organization—Donate Somewhere Else

Don't Donate to the Salvation Army

"As I'm sure you know, the Salvation Army actively supports the ban on gay marriage," a Stranger reader e-mailed me last week. "My boyfriend and I were discussing how unfortunate that is, because the people ringing the bells are everywhere, but I can no longer give them money. And yet I don't think it's fair to tell off the bell-ringers (who may have no idea and who have been given a much-needed job by this charity)."

The Salvation Army does more—and it does far worse—than merely supporting the ban on gay marriage. Barack Obama supports the ban on same-sex marriage, if not DOMA. (It might be fairer to say that Obama isn't an opponent of marriage equality, he just plays one on TV.) The Salvation Army has lobbied to prevent federal money from going to cities or states with LGBT antidiscrimination laws and, even worse, it goes out of its way to discriminate against vulnerable LGBT people during moments of crisis.

"When a former boyfriend and I were homeless, the Salvation Army insisted we break up before they'd offer assistance," writes gay blogger and activist Bil Browning. "We slept on the street instead and declined to break up as they demanded."

Browning's experience isn't unique: "Three years ago, one of my community college students became homeless during the semester," Slog commenter greendyke wrote last month. "The only shelter in our Midwestern capital city with any openings for women and children was a SA shelter. This lesbian household was told they had two choices: One of them could live on the street and the shelter would take the other mom and the kids as a 'family,' or they could all sleep on the street... [That] evil organization will never get a cent of my money."

Plenty more people have posted online testimonials of the Salvation Army's bigotry and sadism in action in California, Texas, and other states.

Officially, the group claims that its services "are available to all who qualify, without regard to sexual orientation." But Salvationarmyusa.org—in a section titled "homosexuality"—says that church services are restricted to those "who accept and abide by the Salvation Army's doctrine and discipline." And that discipline, apparently, doesn't allow for gay people to have partners and families.

Or food and shelter, if the Salvation Army can help it.

How does the Salvation Army respond to these charges of discrimination? "An individual's sexuality is simply not a factor in whether or not we provide service," insisted Lt. Colonel David Hudson, chief secretary of Salvation Army's USA Western Territory, in an e-mail. While he acknowledges that the group is "an evangelical part of the universal Christian church," Hudson continues, "any instance of discrimination is in direct opposition to our core beliefs and is against all of our policy."

Uh-huh. The examples of the Salvation Army advocating against civil-rights protections are legion, as are individual stories of anti-gay cruelty.

"It's amazing to me that so many Christians have chastised me for advocating that people avoid the red kettles by claiming that it will hurt homeless and hungry (straight) people," Browning says in an e-mail. "They overlook the fact that the Salvation Army discriminates against LGBT people and has threatened to close soup kitchens in many cities if required to abide by nondiscrimination laws."

And the money you refrain from tossing into the Salvation Army's red kettles? Donate it to charities that don't discriminate. "There are plenty of secular charities like Toys for Tots, Goodwill Industries, and the American Red Cross that could use the extra cash and don't discriminate against LGBT people," writes Browning.

Or you could give to Northwest Harvest. recommended

 

Comments (39) RSS

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kerfuffle 1
"An individual's sexuality is simply not a factor in whether or not we provide service,"
My ass! A friend of mine, with a severe meth addiction and no insurance, was turned away for treatment based completely on his sexuality. He asked if they would accept him if he swore to abstain from any sexual contact or behavior during his stay in the program. He was desperate for help and willing to do anything. They firmly told him that their core beliefs and his core beliefs did not match and they could not help him.
Thankfully, he was able to find help elsewhere, but he almost died in the process.
Fuck Salvation Army. I'm sure they help a lot of people, but until they are willing to help ALL people, I will not give them my money.
Posted by kerfuffle on December 21, 2011 at 10:28 AM · Report
2
Also, don't give to the Union Gospel Mission here in Seattle. They're just as bad on LGBT issues.
Posted by IslandGuy on December 21, 2011 at 12:20 PM · Report
doloresdaphne 3
Direct Quotes on their positions on homosexuality and same sex marriage and abortion can be found here:

http://salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_…
Posted by doloresdaphne on December 21, 2011 at 3:23 PM · Report
4
was in SA shelters. didn't witness any discrimination. the lesbian, bi, trans clients were promptly and appropriately defended by staff when other clients were homophobic and intolerant. the mentally ill, disabled, elderly, clients of all faiths were safe and supported. hiv, aids positive clients too.
Posted by gingerbread houses on December 21, 2011 at 3:24 PM · Report
5
In the bible Jesus spent all of his time with prostitutes, tax collectors (who were despised and crooked), sinners, lepers, and all sorts of "untouchables" because that's who needed him the most. So if homosexuality is a "sin" according to the salvation army, then wouldn't they want to reach out to LGBT people with god's love just like Jesus did? If you call yourself a Christian then you should act as Christ acted. There's a quote I memorized as a child, "the single greatest cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, and then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable."
Posted by rosieposie8785 on December 21, 2011 at 4:33 PM · Report
6
Ahhhhhh.... does the American Red Cross not discriminate against LGBT people? I vaguely remember a time when gay dudes couldn't donate blood unless they're celibate. When was that? Today?
Posted by AveryTurnstyle on December 21, 2011 at 6:02 PM · Report
7
AveryTurnstyle - The reason they cannot donate blood is purely a medical safety measure. Gay men are simply at a higher risk of contracting HIV and since HIV can take a while after a person is exposed to show up on any kind of test, it's in the Red Cross's best interest not to accept blood donations from gay men.
Posted by Registered phlebotomist on December 21, 2011 at 7:47 PM · Report
8
@averyturnstyle
Unfortunately that is because of the fact that HIV was, I don't know if it still is, statistically more prevalent in gay men and IV drug users. You also can't donate blood if you've had sex with someone, in the past year, who has EVER used IV drugs, or if you lived in the Mediterranean region in 80's. It's not a matter of discrimination, it's a matter of protecting the blood supply. In time, they will likely lift the ban against gay men, but for now, it's only because of the HIV risk. But they wouldn't hesitate to render aid to a LGBT person or to give them blood as needed.
Posted by amg1984 on December 21, 2011 at 8:54 PM · Report
9
My gosh 96% of the world is evil according to the LBGTQRPLMASDFG.... community. THE WORLD IS EVIL!! I get it. I am so sick of gotcha questions and gotcha reactions by the LBGTQBFJDUBDUJDDNDI...... community.

My gosh. Its the love that won't STFU!!!!
Posted by Slumdog on December 21, 2011 at 9:54 PM · Report
10
There are so many other options. Take $20 to the health aid at the nearest elementary school. She/he can turn it into clothing for a poor child - always known to the office people. Find a pet rescue organization and take them money. Who feeds the homeless in your community? Take money or buy soap or towels and take them by.

There's simply no reason to give funding to hate groups. I put my last coin in a red kettle when they "won" the court case allowing them to refuse to hire gays. Their Christ would be appalled.

I'm with you, Dan.
Posted by HappyLeftist on December 21, 2011 at 11:47 PM · Report
11
My mom worked for the Salvation Army for over 12 years, so I'm well acquainted with the organization. Anti gay? Yup. Corrupt? Yep. Thievees? Yep. I wouldn't give ANYTHING to them - not money, not used clothes, not anything. Where I live, you now have to bring in a pay stub to "prove" you really need help, they will NOT deal with homeless people unless those people show up during business hours with all the appropriate paperwork, and they've done away with EVERY program they had. Now, it's food box or nothing. No rehab. No bus tickets. No food. Nada. Even though almost all the grocery stores in town still donate to them exclusively. Wonder where all that stuff goes?? And, to put the cherry on the sick sundae, when my mom (and I) worked there during the holidays, the officers routinely STOLE donated toys and other items that they or their children wanted. Truly, I want NOTHING to do with this organization. I give my money to the local animal shelter and competing food bank (which the TSA has repeatedly tried to shut down to get rid of the competition).
Posted by ReikiDiva on December 22, 2011 at 7:11 AM · Report
12
thank you for the information, Dan. I always give a few bucks going in and out of Fred Meyer during the holidays. Now I'll just say "Hi" and "thanks" but won't donate. Northwest Harvest, all the way!
Posted by scottleigh on December 22, 2011 at 10:39 AM · Report
13
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, crap! I didn't know, Dan! Sorry!

@12: scottleigh for the win!
I'll do the same.
Posted by auntie grizelda on December 22, 2011 at 12:57 PM · Report
14
Do stores have to give permission to the Salvation Army folks to stand in front of their buildings? Maybe there's a way to get the bell ringers removed.
Posted by case on December 22, 2011 at 1:14 PM · Report
15
There's a Salvation Army banner ad requesting donations at the top of this page. Nice.
Posted by case on December 22, 2011 at 2:32 PM · Report
echizen_kurage 16
@6, 7, 8:

Ahhhhhh.... does the American Red Cross not discriminate against LGBT people? I vaguely remember a time when gay dudes couldn't donate blood unless they're celibate. When was that? Today?


Please, don't blame the Red Cross for turning away gay blood donors; they are merely abiding by federal law. No matter where you donate blood in the US, you'll run into the exact same prohibition. In 1985, the FDA banned men who have sex with men from donating blood, in an effort to prevent the blood supply from being tainted with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. The Red Cross opposes the ban, but has no choice but to abide by it.

Unlike the Salvation Army, the Red Cross truly is a worthy charity. Please don't refuse to support them out of a mistaken belief that they are homophobic.
Posted by echizen_kurage on December 22, 2011 at 6:03 PM · Report
17
@6: Actually, the Red Cross won't take the blood of any man who has sex with a man since 1978, celibate or not. The list of people that the Red Cross will not accept blood from--in spite of the fact that all samples are tested for HIV anyway--is long and ludicrous. They also won't take the blood of any woman who has had sex with a man who has had sex with a man. I know, because I used to donate blood despite serious reservations about the Red Cross' politics. I'm O Positive, the universal blood type, and I figured that it was more important to help people than to get into a political stand-off with the Red Cross. Whelp, they made that move for me when I informed them that my male partner had slept with a (trans)man. They will no longer accept my blood.
@7 & 8: You're both full of shit. Ten seconds of research would have revealed that the fastest growing demographic group of people with HIV/AIDS in the world is women of childbearing age who sleep with men. I've yet to hear anybody propose that we ban young, straight women from donating blood.
Posted by Gigolo Asshattin' on December 23, 2011 at 11:13 AM · Report
misssmartypants 18
Sally Ann has a bad habit of making a person feel worse about being poor and homeless, and they sure are happy watching those in that situation grovel and lick Jesus's asshole to get help.
Posted by misssmartypants on December 24, 2011 at 7:50 AM · Report
19
Dan's endless apologizing for Obama is pathetic. He's not an opponent, he just plays one on TV? He's the most powerful man in the world - and he's let it be known loud and clear that he doesn't think gay people should have equal rights... he is a HUGE opponent of equal rights - his lack of courage is more harmful than all the Rick Santorum's of the world.
Posted by Jayk22 on December 24, 2011 at 9:16 AM · Report
20
#17, the universal donor blood type is O negative.
Posted by catballou on December 24, 2011 at 9:56 AM · Report
slade 21
never been asked by anybody what my sexual preference was save for my mother?

America is full of ass hole idiots with no fricking morals or guts or righteousness so if your flinching at lying about your sexuality your obviously a immigrant.

If asked I would probably answer I am not sure but I really get turned on by pituitary glands ;p.

As these articles always lead to some creepy FBI attempt to frame some pissed off disillusioned illiterate halfwit into hating Jesus and or targeting the entire christian world lets just boil it down to do not support anybody who dose not support everybody.

your government decides what you wear what you watch and what you learn and that's why you cant afford a education or help or medical or anything?

civil rights are civil rights and prejudiced hate filled churches are your governments fault and they get big Republican endorsements to be not much less than Nazi's who openly spread hate for People they do not approve of.

Jesus loves you? that specific Church or specific person or in fact that Gay community may not and may not lift a finger to help your ass.

as for giving blood it seems again more of the FBI creepy freaky tales of un belivable B/S that you hear from the twisted minds at the local bar just yacking to be the Pseudologia fantastica creeps they are and Washington State is full of of these creeps?

I guess some feel its fun to be stupid and full of shit? Republicans ! who the hell needs them.
Posted by slade http://www.youtube.com/user/guppygator on December 24, 2011 at 11:01 AM · Report
22
Who the fuck would defend any one, or any organization that discriminates? How would these brain damaged republiturds feel if the policy was "we don't serve Baptists because they are retarded inbreeds?" Or better yet, "we don't feed catholics because these heathens worship a nazi in a dress" See? Discrimination is ugly, irrational and indefensible however you state it. (But that nazi in a dress thing is pretty accurate.)
Posted by Lilly Munster on December 25, 2011 at 4:53 PM · Report
slade 23
http://www.godhatesfags.com/schedule.HTM…

Like we need to take our eyes from those who would tell us who god hates?
I thought there was a law against this? Oh ! that's right this America.
Posted by slade http://www.youtube.com/user/guppygator on December 26, 2011 at 3:01 PM · Report
John Horstman 24
Also, as they say, they are "an evangelical part of the universal Christian church" that uses your money for direct evangelism in addition to lobbying for Christianist public policy. I always DO tell the people ringing the bells what their organization is supporting, in the hopes that they might not solicit for them any more.
Posted by John Horstman on December 27, 2011 at 6:48 AM · Report
sissoucat 25
@17 like #20 said, the universal blood donor type is O negative. So don't brag.

The Red Cross, on the matter of blood donors, does not discriminate against gays more than against everyone who's at higher risk of blood-transmitted diseases, or who may have not quite pristine blood. Other blood collects do just the same.

Last time I tried to give blood, I was told that a strictly heterosexual person who had changed partners in the last 6 months or 1 year couldn't give blood. Nor could anybody, regardless of sexual activity, who had gone to the dentist in the past week. Nor could someone who had been recently ill, or who was currently taking medicine. The list goes on an on.
Posted by sissoucat on December 29, 2011 at 5:11 AM · Report
26
They also sometimes won't help people unless those people pray before meals or watch a stupid Jesus video, etc, so they discriminate against atheists as well. Sometimes a group says its helping people when the real goal is to push a religious agenda. If you want to help people, just help them - no agenda!
Posted by Diagoras on December 29, 2011 at 5:52 PM · Report
27
I was raised in The Salvation Army church and finally ended up working as a social worker. Never turned away anyone that needed help - encouraged everyone to come to church. Maybe some people may be confusing attending the church for joining the church. The Bible pretty much tells the story about any sinner joining the church = can't happen until the sinner repents (that included me) - but the Bible tells us to help all people with their basic needs - The Salvation Army I know does that. It may be worthwhile for people reading these blogs to call their local Salvation Army or any other charity that tries to help people to see exactly what they do before making a decision on whether they are good or bad.
Posted by Darby on January 28, 2012 at 3:13 PM · Report
28
Gee Darby, I dont think I need to call the salvation army about this. I dont think there would be this many people so angry about a charitable organization without cause.
Posted by johnboy on January 31, 2012 at 5:16 PM · Report
29
Really Johnboy? When was the last time a bunch of GLBT lovers got angry about anything? Oh wait...GLBT lovers are always angry about something. Today it will be the Salvation Army. Tommorrow it might be the local gym for not allowing male pre-op transexuals to use the womens' showers. Remember the code of the ignorant - Never investigate the truth about anything! Just follow the dumbass lemming marching mindlessly in front of you until you get to the cliff!
Posted by Angry Ant on February 9, 2012 at 9:17 AM · Report
30
There are other social agencies besides those that are operated by religious groups. The church-based groups operate with the additional help of volunteers so can keep costs down with more funding going to qualified needy persons. If a needy person doesn't want to see Christianity in action, they shouldn't ask for help from a religious group.

It is wrong to expect the SA to ignore its Bibically-based beliefs when addressing needs. It is wrong for anyone to expect a religious group to go against its doctrines even in the practice charity.

If Christianity is YOUR enemy then get your handout somewhere else. These people live their faith. It is because of this they will offer hope through belief in Jesus. They will show you how sinful behavior affects lives. Where is the harm in this? They have been instrumental in helping countless people turn around their lives. The Salvation Army does much good and does not deserve criticism for adherence to their doctrines.

Posted by JAFFY on March 6, 2012 at 9:42 AM · Report
31
I'll tell all who are listening this: As a Director at a SA homeless shelter, I may disagree with certain SA policies, but I will fight to death anyone who declines services based on anything other than character. I will also fight to the death to support co-workers who are lesbian, gay and transgender. I pledge this because of my calling to help those who could benefit from my help without overt, idiotic, regressive and small minded thinking. And don't fool yourself, much of this country discriminates on issues as peculiar as gender.
Posted by Blindjustice on June 27, 2012 at 6:44 PM · Report
32
Every organization has its people that don't do what is right. Find any large charity, business and of course the government, and you will find some corrupt people. Unfortunately, that is the reality of life. There is corruption everywhere and I guess we expect to see it in business and government so we are surprised when we see it in a charity. I wish it didn't exist at all, however, it does. You shouldn't "throw the baby out with the bath water". Just as there is some corruption in every organization, there are also many more people that are trying to help others and that do the right things for the right reasons. I grew up in The Salvation Army and have seen it all. I was also in need of their services at one point in time. I know for a fact that homosexuals are treated with dignity and respect and are not discriminated against. I have seen it with my own eyes. There are sometimes extenuating circumstances in which the "Army" is not able to render service to people, but it does its best to help when it can. The government is also responsible for regulations and guidelines that The Salvation Army and other charities have to abide by. Sometimes the charities have no choice. The Salvation Army does eliminate corruption when it finds it. I have seen this as well. I'm sure if I wanted to nit pick any organization it wouldn't be too hard to do, that includes the LGBT groups too. Instead of bashing groups that are trying to help others maybe you could start your own charity. Don't you think your time would be better spent doing that?
Posted by JJ1368 on July 31, 2012 at 11:24 AM · Report
33
The Salvation Army does not care for anyone but themselves. As true Americans, we need to rise up and speak publicly on the media about the false cult like religion.

They use people in every Adult Rehabilitation site by mentally abusing them on a daily basis. I tell every American DO NOT DONATE TO THE SALVATION ARMY. They get enough money illegally through the government and they call themselves non-profit. LIES, LIES, and more LIES. One day it will be an embarrassing moment when the media has a wonderful frenzy on the actions they do to others. Be careful of MAJOR SCHOCH he is nothing but a fraud for a Christian. He only cares about his cars and possessions and money GREED, GREED, and more GREED. He is based in Syracuse, NY. Arrest him now someone before it is too late.
Posted by servant on August 4, 2012 at 1:15 PM · Report
34
Please educate yourself! The Salvation Army mission is to serve without discrimination. They are one of the top organizations to give too. They as a church follow the same scripture most christian churches do...so if your christian and your bashing..you better check what your book says! Also i know for a fact they have employees who are gay and married!..and pay for their spouses benefits...So in short..you just bashed all christians because they all must be bad.. oh and lets really bash the ones who help people keep their lights on and stay in their homes..what have you done? nothing! I'm sure!
Posted by peeps on September 21, 2012 at 9:13 PM · Report
35
I was looking to dig up dirt on the Salvation Army, and instead I kind of agree here. I understand some people are gay and can't help it, but keep it in the closet instead of trying to convince everyone it's normal. It's not!! The thought of a man putting another man's penis in his mouth is outright sickening!! It's also a sin and nothing to be proud of. and to want to adopt kids and confuse the heck out of them by having 2 moms or 2 dads is outrageous. Gays are so greedy to "prove something" that they have no regard for the minds of the kids they want to adopt is completely selfish!! Besides marriage was created as a holy union, and homosexuality is a sin, so how in the hell can gays think it's ok to be married. I'm a recovering alcoholic and even if I was still drinking I'd never fight for "alcoholics rights", because it, too is an abomination.
if one is gay fine, but if gays are gonna have disgusting sex, at least not be proud of it, it's like a cleptomaniac(who can't help stealing like a gay can't help being gay) being proud of it. See how the comparison makes sense. I have a gay relative who is involved with the Salvation army and that person keeps it in the closet and prays for forgiveness, not advertises it. I'm so tired of people doing wrong trying to make it seem right. Oh, a tip, if you're gay and need the Sal. Army's help,it's simple, DON"T TELL THEM YOUR GAY, morons!!
Posted by progrockmike on September 24, 2012 at 9:57 AM · Report
36
Ok, I can see everyone heres point, but something I feel should be said. I am a bisexual woman. I have been happily dating the same man for the last four years. We have had several friends join us. This is a fact of my life. IN fact I regularly have a friend visit when my baby is feeling adventurous and we as a group have fun. We are both bisexual. You should be able to fill in the gaps thier. While I have seen the Salvation Army turn people down for services, anyone who has come thier for real help has gotten it. Most of the people I have seen them turn down are habitual in reqesting the same help, but if you watch them leave get into a car that is only a few years old or someone who has been through the programs several times and keep 'falling off the bandwagon' as they say. And the whole thing about discrimination, a local SA wemons shelter I know is run by a woman in a 'delecite' position if only because she in a 'special' relationship that the nature of it could ruin her carrer (it is leagal, if just strange and would cause issues) while I am unwilling to elaborate further, suffice it to say that the LGBT has nothing to fear about discrimination from her. She is the reason I am going to ring bells this year, to help the shelter that helps so many. I once had to stay thier, and she knew of my special relationship. My partners and I were fighting and I dislike violence so I ran to get away and stayed at the shelter. She told me to keep my relationship a 'we wont ask, you dont tell' thing and while I am not ashamed of it, the zelious of some of the workers at the shelter shocked me. The point im trying to make is while some places are not the best, remember the SA spreads over the USA and not everyone is the same.
Posted by hlb88nfw on November 5, 2012 at 12:57 AM · Report
37
Amazed by the lets compare gay to cleptos.not gay but I even know better than that. Salvation Army is demoralizing to a whole group of people regardless of sexual orientation. The Lts of the Salvation army here in hillsdale mi. Told a lady who intrupted church because her house was burning down that the social device department was closed come back Monday or call red cross.They are on a cruise think to Bahamas right now but come Monday challenge anyone to try and get help for almost any reason and will bet there is no funds. At least the "boss " here have no compassion or morals about who they discriminate against.God forbid take a big bag in there store.They will believe u are stealing..Old, young don't matter.
Posted by want accountability for S.A on November 10, 2012 at 12:39 AM · Report
38
We should all get little cards made up and drop in to the kettles that say another gay dollar lost because of your bigoted policies.
Posted by wstrncowboy on November 23, 2012 at 8:30 PM · Report
christiancultsniper 39
Dan Savage,
As a Military Vet and an American.., the Salavation Army has been around since the 1800,s
Presidents since World war 1 and 2 and beyond with the greatest generation and the "Real Americans" played a big roll in lives of thousands- we live in a different world now and as for my self you and the Seattle of Idiot Obama Nation want to do away with Christians and America and I my self have been disciminated by "Sickeattle " by being a bell ringer and my love for God and Country..... Your Socialist idiots and your Stanger paper gives Real America the proof that Seattle a is a Socialist Republic and you will stir a Nation and the world after you here from Thousand Vets and on duty and Real America...., you will be hearing from us soon !

American Irish Republican Army.
Posted by christiancultsniper http://nanningdatescam.blogspot.com   http://spusucks.blogsot.com on December 9, 2012 at 11:10 AM · Report

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